FORD TAURUS Problems - 1995 FORD TAURUS Electrical System Problems

Electrical System Problem on the 1995 FORD TAURUS

Car problem(s) with the 1995 FORD TAURUS.
This database includes information received by NHTSA from consumers either directly or as recorded by the Vehicle Safety Hotline. This information may be used by NHTSA during the investigation process.
You may file your own complaint by calling the NHTSA Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153. You can also file your complaint online.

Problem with Electrical System

May 15, 2013 - Indian Land, SC - Electrical System
ARRIVING HOME, I PARKED THE CAR IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE. I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SOMETHING HOT OR SHORTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I BACKED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE NEXT DAY, I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY AND NO LONGER NOTICED THE SMELL. I DROVE IT AND THERE WAS NO MORE ODOR. THE SPEED CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE, AND THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE 3 AMP FUSE IN THE WIRNG HARNESS WAS BLOWN, BUT ONLY AFTER COMING CLOSE TO STARTING A FIRE. FORD HAS A HISTORY OF SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING FIRES. THIS CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2007 TO INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS WITH A 3 AMP FUSE BETWEEN THE SWITCH AND THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO WHERE IT OFFERED NO PROTECTION. THE CAR WAS RECALLED AGAIN IN 2008 TO REPLACE THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS WITH ONE HAVING THE FUSE AHEAD OF THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE 3 AMP FUSE IN SERIES WITH THE 15 AMP FUSE IS FAR LESS LIKELY TO CAUSE A FIRE THAN HAVING ONLY THE 15 AMP FUSE. NEVERTHELESS, I CAME CLOSE TO HAVING A MAJOR FIRE IN OUR HOME WHILE WE WERE INSIDE HAD I NOT NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THE 3 AMP FUSE DID ITS JOB, BUT THERE WAS ENOUGH BRAKE FLUID AND HEAT TO POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE LEAKING SWITCH AND THE FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THEY CHARGED ME $177.03 FOR THE REPAIR. FORD HAS RECALLED ABOUT 10 MILLION VEHICLES TO ADD THE FUSE, BUT I AM CONVINCED THAT THE DESIGN IS STILL UNSAFE BECAUSE 3 AMPS COULD STILL IGNITE BRAKE FLUID, I HOPE THIS NOTE MAY SAVE OTHERS FROM SERIOUS PROBLEMS, AS MORE OF THESE PRESSURE SWITCHES WILL FAIL WITH AGE AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID ON THE CONTINUOUSLY ENERGIZED WIRING HARNESS. THE 3 AMP FUSES MAY NOT ALWAYS BLOW SOON ENOUGH.

Sep 17, 2012 - Sacramento, CA - Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE HOOD, COVERING THE WINDSHIELD. THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED HAT THE RADIATOR AND ELECTRONIC WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 19,000.

Feb 29, 2008 - Bloomsburg, PA - Instrument Panel
SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY OVER 45 MPH, WHICH MAKES THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORK AT ALL. NEEDLE JUMPS AROUND WILDLY AND IS VERY DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER.

Aug 07, 2006 - New Baltimore, MI - Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH A NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER. A FIRE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHETHER THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL OR FUEL IGNITED, NOR WHAT COMPONENT WAS INVOLVED.

Mar 29, 2006 - Clinton, CT - Electrical System
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1995 FORD TAURUS WITH AROUND 64000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE DATE OF 11/27/05 WHEN BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, I WAS ONE LIGHT FROM THE WESTBROOK FIRE DEPARTMENT SO MANAGED TO GET TO THE FIREHOUSE AND OFF THE ROAD TO PREVENT ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO OTHERS AROUND ME. I ENDED UP LOSING MY BRAKES FROM THE FIRE AND EVERY WIRE AND ANYTHING PLASTIC UNDER THE HOOD HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSE. IT SEEMS THE FIRE HAD BEEN CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND STARTED TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT FORD HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE COOLING FAN CAUSING AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE. I CONTACTED FORD ON 11/28/05 TO VERIFY IF MY VEHICLE WAS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND WAS TOLD YES, BUT I HAD NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED. AFTER THIS I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED IN SEVERAL WORKING DAYS WITH FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. I WAS CONTACTED BY FORD ON 12/13/05 AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL A FORD DEALER CHECKED THE CAR TO SEE IF THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE COOLING FAN. ON THE DATE OF 12/14/05 I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HAMMONASSET FORD LINCOLN IN MADISON CT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND SAID THERE WAS SO MUCH DAMAGE UNDER THE HOOD, THAT EVERY WIRE HAD MELTED THEY COULD NOT TELL EXACTLY WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK HOME AND ON 12/20/05 I WAS CONTACTED BY FORD VIA U.S. MAIL AND WAS TOLD DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE THEY WERE UNABLE TO VERIFY A MANUFACTURER-++S DEFECT THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AT THIS TIME. EVERY WIRE UNDER THE HOOD IS STRIPPED OF ITS PLASTIC COATING. AND THE PAINT ON THE HOOD IS BURNED OFF RIGHT OVER THE FAN. THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED TO A CAR WITH ONLY 64000 MILES .

Jun 17, 2005 - Cumming, GA - Wiring, Interior/Under Dash
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995, FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. CONTACT COULD NOT TELL HOW FAST HE WAS GOING BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING. WHEN GETTING OFF AT THE EXIT THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO SLOW DOWN. HE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. WHILE TRYING TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD SAW SMOKE APPEARING FROM THE RIGHT TIRE ON THE FRONT. SOMEONE CAME UP TO HIM AND HE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR HE LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE GAS TANK. THE AIR INTAKE AND BATTERY MELTED. ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STILL WORKED BECAUSE IT DID NOT GET INTO THE FIRE WALL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ENOUGH TIME TO SALVAGE MOST OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. THE DOME LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. WHEN CONTACT NOTICED THESE LIGHTS WERE ON HE TOOK THE FUSE OUT THAT CONTROLS THESE LIGHTS BUT SINCE HE WAS GOING ON A LONG DRIVE . BACK HOME HE PUT THE FUSE BACK IN TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO. THEN WHILE DRIVING HOME THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.

Feb 24, 2005 - Zolfo Springs, FL - Battery
'RECALL CAMPAIGN' FORD TAURUS 1995 RECALLED THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLING CIRCUIT BREAKER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED THE MOTOR AND FAN, BUT NEVER INSTALLED THE BREAKER. THE DEALER FOUND A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER SHOP. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON JUNE 11. 2002 THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON JUNE 28, 2002. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC WHO PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED THE RECALL WORK, STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND POSSIBLY A CRACKED HEAD FROM OVERHEATING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FAN MOTOR DID NOT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER STATED HE LEARNED OF A RECALL REGARDING THE HEAD GASKET WHICH THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY FOUND THE FAN MOTOR AND CIRCUIT BREAKER NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THEY DENIED THERE WAS A PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AGAIN, AND THE MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES.

Oct 25, 2002 - Johnstown, PA - Ignition, Switch
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND SUDDENLY WITH OUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SIMPLY QUIT AS IT HAS DONE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN THE PAST. ALSO DURING THIS INCIDENT, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE BRAKING ABILITY DUE TO THE LOSS OF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2002, THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED THAT THE INCIDENT WAS EXACTLY WHAT THE ARTICLE STATED; CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION DEVICE. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE HE IS BEING STONEWALLED AND IS REQUESTING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE MONEY SPENT AND REMEDIAL SERVICE ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE AT FORDS EXPENSE.

Sep 04, 2002 - Acton, MA - Starter Assembly
THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING FROM THE DAY IT WAS DELIVERED. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WITH FLAKING PAINT, MISALIGNED HOOD, DOOR AND BUMPER DUE TO POOR QUALITY CONTROL. THESE PROBLEMS WERE FIXED BY DEALER W/O CHARGE, AS WAS THE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. REPAIRS FOR MUFFLER FAILURE, SWAY BAR LINKAGE FAILURE, AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE AND STARTER MOTOR FAILURE WERE NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER ANY SORT OF RECALL. THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AND STARTER MOTOR COST OVER $1200 TO FIX. THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM WAS INTERMITTENT. SOME TIMES THE CAR WOULD START AND OTHER TIMES THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. ONE TIME THE ENGINE SIMPLY DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. STARTER MOTOR WOULD NOT ENGAGE UNTIL ENGINE COOLED DOWN AND HAD BEEN SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. THEN STARTER MOTOR WOULD WORK. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP SAID THE STARTER MOTOR PROBABLY HAD "DEAD" AREAS IN STARTER MOTOR THAT MAY BE CAUSING INTERMITTENT FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE ATTRIBUTED TO FAILURE OF "MOTOR MOUNTS" THAT CAUSED RUPTURE OF MULTIPLE HOSES IN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WITH SO MANY EQUIPMENT FAILURES WITH THIS TYPE OF MILEAGE.

Sep 04, 2002 - Acton, MA - Starter Assembly
THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING FROM THE DAY IT WAS DELIVERED. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WITH FLAKING PAINT, MISALIGNED HOOD, DOOR AND BUMPER DUE TO POOR QUALITY CONTROL. THESE PROBLEMS WERE FIXED BY DEALER W/O CHARGE, AS WAS THE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. REPAIRS FOR MUFFLER FAILURE, SWAY BAR LINKAGE FAILURE, AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE AND STARTER MOTOR FAILURE WERE NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER ANY SORT OF RECALL. THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AND STARTER MOTOR COST OVER $1200 TO FIX. THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM WAS INTERMITTENT. SOME TIMES THE CAR WOULD START AND OTHER TIMES THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. ONE TIME THE ENGINE SIMPLY DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. STARTER MOTOR WOULD NOT ENGAGE UNTIL ENGINE COOLED DOWN AND HAD BEEN SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. THEN STARTER MOTOR WOULD WORK. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP SAID THE STARTER MOTOR PROBABLY HAD "DEAD" AREAS IN STARTER MOTOR THAT MAY BE CAUSING INTERMITTENT FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE ATTRIBUTED TO FAILURE OF "MOTOR MOUNTS" THAT CAUSED RUPTURE OF MULTIPLE HOSES IN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WITH SO MANY EQUIPMENT FAILURES WITH THIS TYPE OF MILEAGE.

Jan 21, 2002 - Statesboro, GA - Wiring, Front Underhood
I AM APPAULED AT THE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD TAURUS THAT I PURCHASED. I AM CURRENTLY WITHOUT A CAR WHILE I WAIT FOR THE FUSE IN THE RADIATOR TO BE REPLACED ( WHICH LEAD TO THE FAN MOTOR IN THE RADIATOR AND THE RADIATOR ITSELF TO BE REPLACED AS WELL). THE FIRST RECALL, WHICH WAS THE HEAD GASKET, TOOK A TOTAL OF THREE MONTHES TO BE REPAIRED, THREE MONTHES I SPENT HITCHING RIDES. IN THE LETTER, EACH TIME THEY HAVE PROMISED ME A RENTAL CAR, AND EACH TIME, NO CARS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE, AND IF CARS ARE AVAILABLE, THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RENT ONE TO ME BECAUSE I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO IS NOT TWENTY ONE. I AM DEEPLY OFFENDED AT THE FACT THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAN GET AWAY WITH MAKING ME PAY TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND I AM STILL LEFT WALKING ON THE SIDE OF I-75 ON THE COLDEST SAY OF THE YEAR (HEAD GASKET INCIDENT). IN SUMMARY, IF A GROCERY STORE SELLS YOU BAD BANANAS, YOU SHOULD GET YOUR MONEY BACK. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY COMMENTS, AND I HOPE OTHERS FEEL THE SAME WAY. P.S. ALL OF THE ABOVE IS FACTUAL AND A JOKE.

Jan 09, 2002 - Washington Ct. House, OH - Ignition, Switch
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH, KEY DOES NOT GO IN. AT OTHER TIMES, KEY WILL NOT TURN TO START VEHICLE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.

Nov 06, 2001 - Jonas Ridge, NC - Ignition
WHENEVER DRIVING IN WARM OR HOT WEATHER VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. HAD CONTACTED SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, AND WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE IGNITION WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED.

Oct 12, 2001 - Winlock, WA - Ignition, Module
ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, INSPECTION MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP FAILED. TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS, CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE TRANMSISSION WENT OUT AFTER PLACING IN PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED TO KEEP FROM HAVING AN ACCIDENT.

Aug 20, 2001 - Newbury Park, CA - Ignition
ENGINE STALLED & POWER BRAKES AND STEERING SHUT DOWN AT 75 MILES PER HOUR. OCCURRED ON INTERSTATE 40, HALF WAY BETWEEN NEEDLES & BARSTOW. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103 DEGREES. LUCKY TO GAIN ACCESS TO RIGHT SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY BEFORE BEING REAR ENDED BY OTHER TRAFFIC.

Aug 17, 2001 - Lidttlen, CO - Ignition
VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH AND STALLED. OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS, EVERY SUMMER, VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PROBLEM STARTED AT 30,000 MILES. NO RECALL OR REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE DEALER TO ASSIST .

Aug 02, 2001 - St Joseph, MN - Electrical System
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASION FOR AN INTERMITTENT STALLING CONDITION, THE DEALER REPLACE THE PUMP TWICE BUT THE PROBLEM REOCCURED, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE TECHNICAN FOUND THAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO THE FUEL PUMP WAS CORRODED AND PARTIALLY BURNT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, THE STARTER FAILED. YH

Apr 02, 2001 - Bluff City, TN - Wiring, Interior/Under Dash
WIRING HARNESS BURNED, CAUSING FUEL TO GO INTO INJECTOR. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MOTOR WERE REBUILT PRIOR TO RECALL, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. HOWEVER, THE MOTOR FAILED AGAIN. AFTER FOUR MONTH OF DIAGNOSIS, THE DEALER DETERMINED A BURNT WIRE TO BE THE CAUSE.

Apr 02, 2001 - Bluff City, TN - Wiring, Front Underhood
WIRING HARNESS BURNED, CAUSING FUEL TO GO INTO INJECTOR. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MOTOR WERE REBUILT PRIOR TO RECALL, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. HOWEVER, THE MOTOR FAILED AGAIN. AFTER FOUR MONTH OF DIAGNOSIS, THE DEALER DETERMINED A BURNT WIRE TO BE THE CAUSE.

Feb 02, 2001 - West Falls, NY - Ignition
THIS CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF EXCEPTIONALY,THERE IS NO REASON FOR A TRANSMISSION TO GO OR SPEEDOMETER.IAM A PROFFESIONAL DRIVER BY TRADE.THIS DEALERSHIP WAS EXTREMELY RUDE.NO SATISFACTION FROM ANYONE TO DATE .PLEASE HELP. I ALSO OWN 2001 TAURUS AND 1989 F-150 NOT BOUGHT AT THAT DEALERSHIP.THE SPEEDOMETER BOUNCE'S AROUND 0-80+ ALL THE TIME,THE TRANY WENT IN AN INTERSECTION AS MY WIFE WENT TO PULL OUT THE ENGINE STALLED THE WIRES MELTED AND RUINED TRANSMISSION $1500.00 +

Jan 04, 2001 - Kansas City, KS - Ignition
ENGINE STALLS AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING SOMETIMES REQUIRING WAIT BESIDE THE ROAD BEFORE RESTARTING. IN NOVEMBER THE DEALER SAID FORD WOULD NOT HAVE REPLACMENT PARTS UNTIL JANUARY NOW THEY ARE NOT SHIPPING UNTIL FEBRUARY. REPLACED IGNITION MODULE WITH A USED PART IN DECEMBER. CAR CONTINUES TO STALL IN TRAFFIC.

Oct 24, 2000 - St Louis, MO - Ignition, Switch
IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED SINCE IT WAS MADE TO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL AND SHUTDOWN. CONSUMER HAS HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE 1995, BUT IN THE LAST MONTH, VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN ONCE A WEEK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FOUND REMEDY.

Oct 12, 2000 - Newburgh, IN - Ignition
WHEN CONSUMER TURNED VEHICLE ON IT WILL STALL WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, AND VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT.

Oct 11, 2000 - Austin, TX - Ignition
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM ABOUT IGNITION MODULE. IT IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE, AND WHEN ENGINE IS HOT IT WILL STALL. POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WILL GO AT ANYTIME.

Oct 02, 2000 - Thousand Oaks, CA - Electrical System
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE: NO CRANK SOMETIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. WHEN IT FIRST ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, THEY COULDN'T START IT EITHER. THE NEXT DAY THEY WERE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS. OBVIOUSLY, THERE WAS NO CHARGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME. THIS HAS OCCURED 3 TIMES SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE (PURCHASED USED ON 7/99). INSTRUMENT PANEL: SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE JUMPS AROUND, TYPICALLY AFTER I REACH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH.

Oct 02, 2000 - Thousand Oaks, CA - Wiring, Interior/Under Dash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE: NO CRANK SOMETIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. WHEN IT FIRST ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, THEY COULDN'T START IT EITHER. THE NEXT DAY THEY WERE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS. OBVIOUSLY, THERE WAS NO CHARGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME. THIS HAS OCCURED 3 TIMES SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE (PURCHASED USED ON 7/99). INSTRUMENT PANEL: SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE JUMPS AROUND, TYPICALLY AFTER I REACH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH.

Sep 08, 2000 - Spanaway, WA - Ignition
MY HUSBAND WENT INSIDE A FRIENDS HOUSE AND WHEN HE CAME BACK OUT A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. WE DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE, THE CAR IS NOT FIXED AND IS IN OUR GARAGE. ALL OF THE DASHBOARD WIRING, ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS BURNED AS WELL AS THE FRONT SEATS. THE ENGINE IS NOT BURNED FROM WHAT WE CAN SEE.

Sep 08, 2000 - Spanaway, WA - Ignition
MY HUSBAND WENT INSIDE A FRIENDS HOUSE AND WHEN HE CAME BACK OUT A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. WE DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE, THE CAR IS NOT FIXED AND IS IN OUR GARAGE. ALL OF THE DASHBOARD WIRING, ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS BURNED AS WELL AS THE FRONT SEATS. THE ENGINE IS NOT BURNED FROM WHAT WE CAN SEE.

Sep 05, 2000 - South Bend, IN - Ignition
AFTER DRIVING FOR 1.5 HRS DURING A 86 DEGREE DAY, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN, ALTHOUGH THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE REMAINED IN THE "NORMAL" RANGE. THE CAR WOULD NOT START UNTIL AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED AT THE TIME, BUT A YEAR LATER, THIS PAST WEEKEND, THE SAME TIME HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR STOPPED AFTER A 1.5 HOUR DRIVE, AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN, UNTIL SITTING FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

Sep 05, 2000 - South Bend, IN - Ignition
AFTER DRIVING FOR 1.5 HRS DURING A 86 DEGREE DAY, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN, ALTHOUGH THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE REMAINED IN THE "NORMAL" RANGE. THE CAR WOULD NOT START UNTIL AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED AT THE TIME, BUT A YEAR LATER, THIS PAST WEEKEND, THE SAME TIME HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR STOPPED AFTER A 1.5 HOUR DRIVE, AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN, UNTIL SITTING FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

Aug 15, 2000 - Fort Worth, TX - Alternator/Generator/Regulator
TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED A 'CLUNKING' NOISE WHILE CRUISING ON INTERSTATE, THEN WHITE SMOKE SEEN COMING FROM BACK AND UNDERSIDE OF CAR AS ENGINE STARTS TO WHINE. PULLED OVER TO CHECK PROBLEM AS SOON AS NOTED SINCE NO WARNING LAMPS LIGHTED INSIDE VEHICLE. ONCE PULLED ONTO SHOULDER, BURNT TRANSMISSION FLUID BURST UNDER CAR. ALL OTHER FLUID LEVELS WERE CHECKED AND FOUND ACCEPTABLE. WHEN COOLED DOWN, CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE ANY GEAR. NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO NEAREST FORD GARAGE AND TOLD TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO INTERNAL FAILURE. NO EXTERNAL TRAUMA NOTED. TRANSMISSION COST OVER $2000 AND FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE WOULD NOT OFFER ANY REIMBURSEMENT. ROUTINE TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AT 42300 MILES. PERSONALLY, I FEEL THAT A WELL-MAINTAINED TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 49000 MILES.

Jul 31, 2000 - Leonardtown, MD - Wiring, Front Underhood
A WIRE ATTACHED TO BRAKE PEDAL AND CONTROLS BRAKES LIGHTS TO APPEAR, AND TO DISCONNECT CRUISE CONTROL, MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN THIS WIRE WAS NOT WORKING, CONSUMER COULD BE USING CRUISE CONTROL, AND STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE RAPIDLY TOWARD VEHICLE IN FRONT.

Jul 13, 2000 - Kernersville, NC - Wiring, Front Underhood
SINCE I PURCHASED 1YR AGO THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED 5 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL,AND I AM, WONDERING IF THIS IS A RECOVERED VEHICLE I NOTICE DISCOLORATION IN SOME DOOR PANELS AND DASH BOARD YET THE SALESPERSON FILLED OUT A FORM THAT THIS CAR WAS NOT IN A WRECK . IM AM SUSPICIOUS PLEASE HELP,CHARLES SCHEAFERAM.

Jun 16, 2000 - Atlanta, GA - Ignition, Switch
STARTING ON 3/15, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF WITH NO WARNING, BOTH AT IDLE AND AT SPEEDS OF UP TO 75 MPH. WE ARE LEFT TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT WILL RECRANK, OTHER TIMES IT WON'T. LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR 5 TIMES (HAS IT NOW) AND CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT. HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMP, CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR, WATER PUMP, IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND VARIOUS FILTERS. UNTIL RECENTLY, THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO WE KEPT THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS LITERALLY LURCHING AND KNOCKING, BARELY DRIVING MORE THAN A MILE AT A TIME, TURNING OFF EVERY 100 YARDS OR SO. THEY FINALLY SAW IT TURN ITSELF OFF. IT JUST GOES DEAD. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES, WE FOUND THAT THERE WAS A TELLTALE "SHUDDER" THAT OCCURED SOMETIME PRIOR TO IT SHUTTING OFF. NO REAL PATTERN THOUGH. CAN HAPPEN FIRST THING IN THE AM, WHEN COLD, OR ON HIGHWAY AT CRUISING SPEED, OR ON CITY STREETS IN STOP/GO. ALSO AT IDLE, OR COMING TO A STOP. CANNOT FIND A REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I FOUND 44 OTHER INSTANCES MENTIONED HERE OF THIS...ALTHOUGH SOME PEOPLE CALL IT ENGINE, OTHERS FUEL, OTHERS EVEN HAVE SAID TRANSMISSION OR IGNITION/ELECTRICAL, WHILE ALL DESCRIBING THE SAME THING. WHEN WILL FORD GET THE IDEA THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM????

May 15, 2000 - Jackson, NE - Wiring, Interior/Under Dash
ENGINE OVERHEATED, TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP, HEAD GASKET FAILED, WAS AFTER RECALL DATE (DEC. 98) WAS TOLD NO MAXIMUM MILEAGE BY FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. LATER FORD CHANGED DATE BUT PUT A LID OF 100,000 MILES. HAVE CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAILE. I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE BUT A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REIMBURSED TO THE CUSTOMER.

Apr 27, 2000 - Mcarthur, OH - Starter Assembly
STARTER SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT 28,000 MILES, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START CAR, AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO A GARAGE, AND THEY REPLACED THE STARTER. ENGINE COOLANT TEMP GAUGE REPLACED ALSO.

Feb 09, 2000 - Shelbyville, TN - Wiring, Front Underhood
WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OPENED HOOD AND ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY FIRE DEPARTMENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FUTHER INFORMATION.

Sep 22, 1999 - Xenia, OH - Ignition
WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 90 DEGREES THE ENGINE QUITS CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING THUS MAKING THE STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.THE ENGINE WILL NOT START UNTILL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN (WITH THE HOOD UP) FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. A DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE ONE TIME BUT THIS HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS DEFINITELY RELATED TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Sep 03, 1999 - Clinton, NC - Wiring, Front Underhood
THE CONNECTOR TO FUEL PUMP WOULD GET VERY HOT & FALL OFF. WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET FUEL TO VEHICLE. HAD CONTACTED DEALER & WAS INFORMED THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE GROUNDED. THIS WOULD ALLOW FUEL TO VEHICLE.

May 07, 1999 - Hopkins, SC - Wiring, Front Underhood
BOTH CLUCH AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPAIRED AT PULLIAM FORD LOCATED ON TWO NOTCH ROAD IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA. LAST REPAIR VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WAS ADVISED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED.

Apr 22, 1999 - Ft Worth, TX - Ignition, Switch
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. CAN TAKE KEY OUT OF SWITCH & ENGINE STILL GOING. HAD 2 IGNITION SWITCHES REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, POSSIBLY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. ALSO,ENGINE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN AT 64,000/FUEL PUMP REPLACED DUE TO OVERHEATING, AND THE AIR CONDITIONER PUTS OUT AN ODOR WHEN RUNNING FOR AWHILE. BEEN TO DEALER EACH TIME ABOUT PROBLEMS. HAD ALSO NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER & TOLD NOTHING CAN BE DONE.

Mar 25, 1999 - Fairfield, CT - Fuses And Circuit Breakers
CONSUMER BELIEVES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE POSSIBLY DUE TO THE #4 FUSE COMING FROM FACTORY W/20 AMPS WHEN MANUAL STATES 15 AMPS. THIS FUSE HAS BLOWN 8 TIMES,IT CONTROLS SEVERAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE DASH/REAR TAIL LIGHTS WHICH HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE TURN SIGNAL BULBS WHICH HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES. OTHER ELECTRICAL REPAIRS INCLUDE 3 TRIP INDICATORS AND 1 SPEEDOMETER.

Feb 25, 1999 - Escondido, CA - Wiring, Front Underhood
2 WIRES CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHORTED TOGETHER. AT THIS POINT THE WIRE INSULATION AND SHEATHING BEGAN TO MELT AND BURN FILLING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH SMOKE. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STOP IT WAS TO DISCONNECT THE CAR BATTERY. THE 15 AMP FUSE FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT BLOW!! I HAVE SAVED THE 2 INCH SECTION OF WIRING THAT WAS BURNED AND MELTED.

Feb 01, 1999 - Madison, WI - Fuses And Circuit Breakers
FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP WAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS, AND CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. PROBLEM WAS ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MOTOR. THEN CRUISE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. PROBLEM-BRAKE WIRING HARNESS. LAST MAJOR PROBLEM WAS ROCKER ARM MALFUNCTIONED AT 39,166 MI. REPAIR BILL FOR THAT WAS 879.88.

Nov 04, 1997 - Channahon, IL - Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. DEALER HAS FIXED AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. FIRST OCCASION, DEALER STATED PROBLEM WAS FIXED AND WHEN CONSUMER CAME TO PICK UP VEHICLE, FOUND A DASHBOARD LIGHT FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WAS NOT LIT, ON THE 3RD DAY OF REPAIR, DEALER STATED A WIRE HAD BROKEN IN THE CONNECTOR TO THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, THIS HAD BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS PRIOR, OTHER ELECTICAL COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED INCLUDING THE DOOR LOCKS, SEAT BELT BUZZERS, KEY LEFT IN IGNITION BUZZER, COURTESY LIGHT, AND OTHERS, CONSUMER TOLD DEALER THAT ON ONE OCCASION WHILE SHUTTING THE DRIVER'S DOOR SHE COULD HEAR A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS SHORTING OUT.

Jul 08, 1997 - Middletown, NY - Wiring, Interior/Under Dash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE ROAD AND RAISED HOOD . SMOKE AND SPARKS WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASH. IN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES . WAS TOLD THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO FAULTY WIRING.

Feb 17, 1997 - Sterling H, MI - Electrical System
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE LEFT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL, POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS, BREAKS, IGNITION, AND GEAR LEVER LOCKS UP. AFTER MANIPULATING THE KEY IN IGNITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES IT WILL RELEASE AND VEHICLE CAN BE SHIFTED TO PARK AND ALL OTHER COMPONENTS UNLOCK. IF COLLISION HAD RESULTED IN A FIRE THE OCCUPANTS WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE.